Chakra Power - the Chakras Explained

When you see the colour red, do you think ‘Danger danger Will Robinson’, or do you think about love, passion and all the good stuff in between?

Either response would be appropriate – red is a power colour that is related to the base chakra – the energy centre that gives us a sense of grounding, of security, of loving our path in life, and of course, sex.

There are seven major chakras, and yes, everyone has them. They are spinning wheels of light that respond to colour, essential oils, musical tones and gemstones. When the seven chakras are all vibrating at their ideal level, you are apt to feel a deep-seated contentedness, even bliss.

Below are the attributes of each chakra and goddess tips on how to get yours energised.

BASE – Foundation

Your base chakra forms your foundation – it is related to survival instincts, your sense of grounding and connection of your body and the earth.

If your life is in turmoil, or your self-confidence is under threat, ask your inner-Kali to energise your willpower.

Kali is the ancient Hindu goddess of destruction but represents strength, intention and insight. She helps you purge elements of destruction in your life and reclaim your independent spirit by directing your life onto a new path – your true path where you can discover health, prosperity, security and a dynamic presence.

Do this: As the base chakra resonates to the colour red and is located at the base of the spine, wear red underwear, paint your toe-nails red, or stomp your feet in the earth to the beat of a primal rhythm. Use an affirmation such as “I am grounded and secure” to achieve a solid foundation for your life.

SACRAL – Passion

Passion for what you’re doing inspires creativity and a sense of self-worth. Passion is about living with intention and being able to prioritise what really matters.

It’s also about looking in the mirror and loving the person you see. The feminine divine is housed in the sacral chakra, so learning to accept that you’re a wondrous woman no matter what your size or shape is an area a lot of women like to work on.

The Babylonian goddess Ishtar is one goddess that inspires lovers everywhere to connect with the feminine divine. Her energy encompasses all that is ‘woman’ – nurturing mother, loyal companion, playful partner, dear friend, wise advisor, insightful leader and wild woman.

Do this: In my Goddess Playshops I remind people that it’s OK to let their wild woman get air-time every now and then. Hips start rolling and gyrating and the laughing gets louder and more spontaneous, which of course are both great ways to energise the sacral chakra.

SOLAR PLEXUS – Vitality

Personal power is housed in the solar plexus chakra – the place where anxiety manifests as ‘butterflies’.

If you’re feeling manipulated or ignored, this threatens your self-definition resulting in reduced vitality. But when the solar plexus chakra is charged, it is easy to feel invincible as the life of the party.

I liken this to goddess Pele’s energy. She is the maiden goddess whose spirit dwells inside the largest active volcano in Hawaii. Subdued one minute, fiery the next.

Pele lies dormant until her energy is harnessed and unleashed – just like a woman who has asked herself the question, “is this situation really deserving of my fear?” Once a situation that has been crippling vitality is resolved, inspired energy is the result.

Do this: Carry a tiger-eye gemstone, wear yellow, breathe deeply and consciously. Remind yourself that ‘butterflies’ are here to help you fly and deal with the situation in spectacular style.

HEART – Connection

If you look in the mirror and only see faults, that’s what others will see too. You won’t exude that aura of self-acceptance that promotes connection with others.

And that, I firmly believe, is one of the main reasons hearts get broken.

How can you expect someone else to love you if you don’t love yourself first? Get your heart chakra pumping with the Butterfly Goddess from the Pacific Islands, Hina.

Hina represents meaningful communication and the sharing of truth between women and men. Her message is to forgive past transgressions and give up negative attitudes that prevent you from growing as a person. In short, she helps you make the choice to be more heartfelt with others and fly free from the cacoon that binds you.

Do this: Make ‘joy’ your mantra; create a love mirror and hang it in your bathroom; look for things that make you feel light and bright; carry rose quartz, aventurine or beautiful banded green malachite; smash a mental sledge hammer through the wall around your heart.

THROAT – Expression

There is a Celtic goddess called Rhiannon that caught the attention of her future husband while riding her mare one day. According to the myth, he rode for days to catch up with her, but it was only when he yelled out for her to stop that she did. When he complained, she simply said, ‘it would have been better for your horse had you asked long before this.’

Her lesson is to ask for what you want. Don’t expect it to land in your lap. Read that bit again and take it on board, because Rhiannon scorns those who do not, or will not, ask for what they want.

Practice using your voice to express needs on smaller projects (for example, ask for a seat on the train) and work your way up (ask for a pay-rise to get what you’re really worth). Find your voice and speak your truth to get your throat chakra primed.

Do this: One tool to help you find your voice is to wear lapis lazuli or topaz pendants. Express what is bugging you, or what it is you need – swallowing your words and keeping your voice locked inside doesn't help anyone, let alone your cause.

THIRD EYE – Trust

How many times a day do you find yourself churning over a decision you’ve made?

Any self-doubt is a guaranteed way to block the third-eye chakra. A healthy third-eye chakra lets you see the big picture and understand your place in the world, but first you must accept that your intuition, your inherent wisdom, has led you to make the right decisions.

For assistance in trusting your decision, call on the Egyptian High Priestess, Isis. She helps you trust in your own intuition and wisdom and gives you the courage to act on your instincts.

Do this: Access Isis’ energy by using a divination tool to confirm what you already know. This way you can prove to yourself that you are making the right decisions. Carry indigo coloured stones such as sodalite and sapphire, hum your mantras in the tone of A, and listen to those voices in your head!

CROWN – Wisdom

There are many forms of knowledge – cognitive, emotional, intuitive, for example. But ‘wisdom’ is a whole new level of understanding that transcends the physical plane.

It’s about understanding yourself and others, having a connection to the Universe, and finding a sense of oneness with all.

By entering the greater world beyond, that timeless, spaceless place of all-knowing, be warned: you may experience a sense of profound bliss.

Nuit’s a great goddess to call upon for this purpose. She’s the Egyptian goddess connecting heaven and earth, giving you access to her heavenly plane.

Do this: Visualise Nuit as a bridge between heaven and earth, spanning the velvety night skies. See yourself reaching for the stars and falling into her loving embrace. Allow her to take you to where you need to go. Carry amethyst on your journey; wear purple; and give yourself permission to dream.

More information: www.goddess.com.au/ChakraPower.htm